Trump’s tariff war with Canada is putting vulnerable GOP candidates in border states in a precarious position about 10 weeks out from the midterms, with economic anxiety already running high, report Mallory Wilson and Julia Manchester at The Hill.
Trump’s 50% import taxes on $20 billion worth of Canadian imports took effect on Saturday after bilateral negotiations collapsed at the eleventh hour. Trump threatened to also impose 50% import taxes on cars, trucks, auto parts, and steel to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
Some strategists say the impact on Americans, particularly in states with close economic ties to Canada, will only compound GOP challenges around affordability, with voters losing trust in Republicans to handle the economy.